You may have noticed that we've introduced a new category over the past couple of years called "Summer Dry." But what exactly does it mean, and how does it differ from other garden styles? Let's dive into the fascinating world of summer-dry gardening.

The Anderson Garden on this year’s tour is a great example of incorporating summer dry into a cottage garden.

What is Summer Dry?

Summer dry refers to plants that have adapted to thrive in hot, dry summers (hence "summer dry") and mild, wet winters. They comprise a kaleidoscope of colors, fragrant borders, year-round blooming hedges and trees, dazzling wildflowers, show-stopping specimens, and beautiful ground covers. Simultaneously, they support wildlife and beneficial insects, heal the land, and reduce the need for water resources and pesticides, all while adding vibrancy to any landscape with reduced effort. Summer dry includes California native plants as well as plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa, Australia, South America, Asia, and more.

Examples From The Tour

Almost ALL garden styles you see on the tour can be created using summer dry plants in Southern California. Roses thrive in these conditions, and bulb plants like tulips are from summer dry regions. Cottage and roses, fairy, Asian-inspired, butterfly/wildlife, eclectic, edible, Mediterranean, outdoor living, tropical, and even woodland and meadow!
Here are some examples from the tour! Check out the Summery Dry tag on the website.

Hovsepian’s gorgeous roses and Shasta daisies! They are a certified wildlife habitat.

Niessen's stunning french style garden

Basheda’s cottage charmer!

Misconceptions Dispelled

• Contrary to what the name suggests, "dry" doesn't mean dry and dead-looking. Many summer dry are blooming, shiny, and green despite not having a drop of rain for months. Some go dormant during those hot months (sort of like a tree losing its leaves for winter) revealing beautiful branching structure. Often the plant is simply dusty because of the lack of rain. Give it a good spray with the garden hose (morning or evening) and reveal the beautiful leaves underneath. Those leaves are blocking dust and pollutants from going into your home!
• Summer dry does not mean hardscape, dirt, rocks, and no plants. Just think of Joshua Tree National Park!
• Summer dry is not "drought tolerant", it is ADAPTED to thrive in drought.
• Summer dry gets a bad rap from those horribly neglected and weedy "drought-tolerant gardens" your neighbor installed to get a lawn removal credit.
• Summer watering encourages weeds and can kill a summer dry plant because it interferes with the balance of microbes in the soil.TIP: Try using summer dry plants that like water near a lawn (think river plants and plants from the Pacific Northwest).

Benefits

• California natives are ideal for creating a fire-resistant break, and stabilizing hillsides to reduce mudslides and property damage.
• Once established, they naturally suppress weeds!
• Natural mosquito repellent. Natural mosquito deterrent: less water, mosquito-deterring herbs, and no grass for the mosquitoes to lay their eggs in. The aromatic oils in some summer dry plants, like sages, lavenders, rosemary and other herbs are a natural repellent.
• Wildlife habitat. Invite and support wildlife including butterflies, birds and beneficial insects! Learn more about becoming a certified wildlife habitat!
• As our climate changes, the inclusion of summer-dry plants becomes critical for sustainable gardening, especially since most of our water goes into the landscape.

Shift in perspective

• California plants are some of the most sought-after in the world, and we should be proud to showcase our rich resources.
• The life cycle of summer dry plants starts in mid-September when cooler, moister weather moves in. I like to think of our hot summer as a bleak "winter" and start all my fun "spring" duties in the fall. After all, if the Aussies can celebrate Santa on a sandy summer beach, we can shift our perspective, too!

Terrific Gardening Resources

Explore these terrific website and gardening books to discover the diversity and splendor of summer-dry plants. They cover everything from microclimates, shade preferences to height structure and cultivation tips:

• https://www.cnps.org/
• gardeninghttps://calscape.org
• California Native Plants for the Garden
• Hot color dry garden
• Power of Gardens by Nancy Goslee Power - a famous garden designer who created the Norton Simon Gardens.

Happy Gardening!

-xoxo Sarah Eakins